HC Deb 10 May 1938 vol 335 cc1410-1
48. Mr. Lyons

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of British-Pacific interests, it is proposed to establish art air service from Canada to New Zealand and Australia; and whether any and what steps have been taken in the matter?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

Tentative discussions have taken place with the Dominion Governments concerned, and preliminary surveys have been made of a number of Pacific islands which might be suitable for air bases. The matter will receive further consideration in connection with the development of air routes of Imperial interest.

Mr. Lyons

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say whether these conversations will be resumed forthwith?

Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead

A good number of things are being investigated with which the Dominion Governments and the Government of the United States are concerned, and the matter is intimately bound up with the question of the ownership of certain islands in the Pacific, as to which conversations are taking place.